Bachelor of Arts in Art: Graphic Design

Graphic Design students at Graceland have the opportunity to develop the well-rounded skills necessary for creative expression. Whether their passion is illustration or web development, Graceland students are able to study in a first-class environment that explores design fundamentals while allowing them to explore their creativity. Course offerings range from drawing and printmaking to typography and web design. Logos, package design, newsletter, and magazine layouts are just a few of the types of projects a graphic design major will experience.

Graceland’s small student-to-faculty ratio gives graphic design majors personalization and critique that leads to high levels of placement in internships and jobs after graduation. Graceland’s liberal arts campus environment encourages students to think critically in many areas of thought, so they have room to pursue other interests like the arts and athletics while working toward their degree.

Why Graceland

• Students can develop close mentoring relationships with professors because of the low student-to-faculty ratio.
• Graphic design majors receive regular portfolio and project critiques from industry professionals.
• Interdisciplinary projects give students the ability to think critically about the future of design.

Graphic Design is one of two tracks available under the Art major. In order to complete this program, you must complete both the core requirements for an Art major and the Graphic Design track requirements.

In addition to the general education requirements, students majoring in Art will complete either a studio or graphic design track. Each track is 36 credits as prescribed below:

Core classes required for both tracks:

• ARTS1210 Making and Meaning – 3
• ARTS1230 Drawing – 3
• ARTS1680 Graphic Design 1 – 3
• ARTS4700 Senior Exhibition – 3

Pick one art history course (General Education Requirement):

• ARTS2330 Art History: Innovation and Politics – 3
• ARTS3110 Art History: Activism, Empathy, and Justice – 3

Pick one studio course:

• ARTS2250 Painting – 3
• ARTS3200 Printmaking – 3

Graphic Design Track

In addition to the core courses, Graphic Design students will take additional coursework outlined below:

• ARTS1710 Graphic Design 2 – 3
• ARTS3620 Illustration and Imaging – 3
• ARTS3630 Graphic Design 3 – 3
• COMM2500 Introduction to Mass Media – 3
• COMM3140 Rhetorical Criticism – 3
• CSIT1060 Introduction to Web Programming – 3

Pick one: ARTS3640 Interactive Design or ARTS3220 Photography – 3

A Graphic Design degree from Graceland can help to prepare you for these careers:

• Art Directors
• Craft and Fine Artists
• Illustrator
• Industrial Designers
• Fashion Designers
• Graphic Designers
• Floral Designers
• Special Effects Artists and Animators
• and many other exciting fields.